What is mom shaming?

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What is Mum Shaming? Thanks for asking. Just like with Body Shaming or Slut Shaming, Mum Shaming is another example of how women are often subjected to disproportionate criticism, and made to feel guilty about their choices, in this case specifically about parenting methods. The term refers to how mothers are criticized or even humiliated for the way they bring up their children and fulfill their role as a mother. Who would be so judgmental as to make comments like that? Such comments often come from within the family, but it can also be friends, colleagues or total strangers. It might be because of parental choices that don't match their own, or that don't match traditional societal norms. In the age of social media, shaming is everywhere. Everybody has something to say about mums. It could be criticizing a woman for spending an evening out with friends, rather than staying in with her children. The term first appeared on social media in the mid 2010s. In 2017, the Michigan University Children's Hospital ran a study on mum shaming. 61% of women surveyed said they had seen their parenting methods criticized during the first five years of their child's life. 42% said they suffered from maternal anxiety. Unconsciously, we tend to think parenting comes more naturally to women. Indeed, in the past, girls' schooling was specifically adapted to teach them about raising children.
What are the consequences of mum shaming? Such comments add significant pressure and weight on women's shoulders, and female solidarity doesn't always come to the fore. Often other women are the ones behind such criticism, perhaps due to the gender stereotypes they are themselves subjected to on a daily basis. Of course, there's nothing wrong with giving advice, but it shouldn't end up taking the form of hurtful comments and should always recognise a parent's choice.
Do you have any examples of mum shaming? Think back to when Meghan Markle was pregnant with her first child. She was labelled as insecure by many web users for cradling her baby bump during a public appearance, with some even accusing her of acting up for the cameras. But that's just one example among many, and it's not just celebrities who are affected. There have been countless instances on social media, with women criticised for choosing to have a c-section, or hiring a nanny to help them look after their newborns.
What about dad-shaming? Is that a thing too? On the contrary, fathers are often portrayed as heroes, despite women taking charge of more domestic chores than men in 93% of British households, according to a 2019 study by UCL. Dads are actually praised disproportionately for carrying out parenting tasks, like changing nappies or preparing their baby's milk bottle.
There you have it. Now you know what mum-shaming is. In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions. What would you like to know about? Use the comments section to send us your questions.